CBCI expresses sorrow at sad demise of attacked priest in Orissa

(Oct.30, 2008):- The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, CBCI, has expressed deep sorrow at the sad demise of Fr. Digal in such brutal circumstances in Orissa, said CBCI Secretary General, Jesuit Arcbishop Stanislaus Fernandes. He said the Bishops offered their condolences to the grieved family of Fr. Digal and prayed for his departed soul. They also acknowledged the ultimate sacrifice made by Fr. Digal to keep his faith and give witness of love and forgiveness to the world.
Archbishop Fernandes said the CBCI is concerned that the attack on Christians is still going on in Orissa. Stating that many of the attacked Christians are still suffering in hospitals and refugee camps, where inadequate medical assistance is making life miserable, the CBCI called upon Orissa’s State Government to offer proper medical and other needed assistance in the refugee camps, where more than 10 thousand people are taking shelter. Another concern expressed by the CBCI is that the owners of farmland cannot return to their villages and harvest the standing crops.